Kai Mayfair

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

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Users say
(1)

5 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

It’s not only sceptics who reckon that dining at a Chinese restaurant in Mayfair usually means high prices for ordinary food. And, yes, apart from the set lunch menu, prices at Kai Mayfair conform to the stereotype. Hot and sour soup is a whacking £13, and don’t even think about the wine list if you’re on a budget.

But during the past 20 years, owner Bernard Yeoh (who hails from Malaysia) has successfully introduced diners to a stylised take on Chinese cuisine. The ground-floor dining room, adorned with an elegant aquarium, exudes quiet self-confidence.

At our meal, the kitchen showed an inventive streak from the off, with miso soup being paired with goji berries and boosted by a spicy kick. To follow, shredded lamb shank arrived with a yellow lentil purée: a tasty enough rendition, if oddly un-oriental. We had no reservations, however, about a splendid pan-fried sea bass with oyster sauce, finding each flavour to be distinctive: a hallmark of high-quality cooking. A refreshing almond curd encircled by dragon fruit and lychees concluded the meal. So, there is much to like at Kai – including the accommodating service.

This isn't your traditional chinese food... more of a thai/chinese fusion restaurant with many stronger flavours available for the stronger taste buds.

I have been visiting this establishment since 2010 and it is one of my favourite restaurants of all time. Try the classic wasabi prawns to start and you will not be disappointed. I could eat them everyday! I also love the steamed sea bass in soy, garlic and ginger as well as their beef stir fry dishes. The more classic chinese dishes are also available such as peking duck and believe me when I say it is the best peking duck you will probably ever eat in your life! Prices are very expensive with meals ranging from £180 for 2 to well over £300 for a table of 4. And that's without any wine as we don't drink alcohol! But it is definitely worth it for a special occasion. I try to go at least once every year.

The service is very attentive and the surroundings are very chic. I cannot fault this place.